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Derry's Halloween bonanza
02.11.09
DERRY'S Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival
attracted an estimated 25,000 people to the city
on Saturday night reaping around £500,000 for
the local economy, according to the local
authority.
A survey of last year's festivities also
included the views of the local hospitality
sector including tour guides, entertainment
venues, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs and showed
that 82% saw a positive effect on their business
during the carnival period. Almost three
quarters of businesses saw an increase in
turnover and increased enquiries for future
bookings or custom. |
Derry Mayor, Councillor
Paul Fleming said any additional business was very
welcome in the downturn.
Sales and marketing Manager with the Derry Visitor
and Convention Bureau, Karen Houlahan said almost
one third of those celebrating Halloween in Derry
travelled to the city from across Northern Ireland,
the Republic of Ireland and even further afield. “We
have really ramped up the marketing effort for 2009,
as we know how important it is to attract visitors |
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to the city, especially
as Halloween fell on a Saturday night this year." As
well as radio and newspaper coverage in both North
and South, DVCB also co-ordinated a week-long
promotional campaign in Belfast in conjunction with
Derry hotels.
“I am delighted with this year's response to
Halloween bookings. In the last week our hotel
occupancy over the three days has increased
steadily, with an average occupancy rate of 85% over
the weekend broken downs as follows, 81% on Friday
night, 97% on Saturday and 78% for Sunday night. The
additional revenue this will bring to the city is
fantastic, and demonstrates how important the Banks
of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is for the local
hospitality sector. I hope that all of the
accommodation sector within the city will reap the
benefits of this year's Halloween event," added Ms
Houlahan. |
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